What does ‘pulseless flow’ refer to in positive displacement pumps?

The term 'pulseless flow' in the context of positive displacement pumps refers to the characteristic of delivering a consistent and steady output without pressure fluctuations. Positive displacement pumps operate by trapping a fixed amount of fluid and forcing it through the discharge line with each cycle of operation. This design leads to a continuous stream of fluid, maintaining a uniform pressure and volume, which aligns with the definition of pulseless flow.

In practical terms, the lack of pressure spikes is crucial in applications where a stable flow rate is necessary and where variations in pressure could cause issues with downstream equipment or processes. This consistency contrasts with the operation of other types of pumps, which may produce varying flows depending on demand or design characteristics. A positive displacement pump, therefore, is ideally suited for processes requiring precise and controlled flow rates, reinforcing the importance of consistent output in understanding pulseless flow.